Elflingimp
· 30 March 2009
· Chapter 18: Ride Through a Nightmare
Just wanted to say I loved this chapter, the only complaint I have is that it ends and I must wait until next Monday to read another one! LOL! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
LOL, thank you, Imp! That's a complaint I can live with. And you may not have to wait *quite* until Monday. As I replied to another review, I'd like to try to get back to Thursday updates. So if I can get the next chapter whipped into shape, it may go up sooner than next Monday. Thanks again!
Estelcontar
· 30 March 2009
· Chapter 18: Ride Through a Nightmare
What a ride this chapter was. Poor Aragorn and poor Halbarad. It must really have been a nightmare, and you made it very vivid. You made Aragorn's despair very real, and I was really relieved when he recognized the trail markers.
I found the necklace scene very moving, and the meeting between Elrond and Aragorn almost brought tears to my eyes. Well done indeed.
I think Aragorn should have mentioned his encounter with the Nazgûl and his infected arm to Elrond, though. Stubborn Ranger!
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! Yes, Aragorn probably should have said something, but his overriding concern was for Halbarad... and to Aragorn's somewhat befuddled thinking, that should be Elrond's priority. We'll see where *that* lands our Aragorn...
(I do have an expanded one-shot of the necklace-purchasing trip into Bree that I'll be posting as a sort of "deleted scene" story, once At Hope's Edge is completely finished).
Thanks for continuing to read along and for the review!
Fantasia
· 30 March 2009
· Chapter 18: Ride Through a Nightmare
"I told you so," ...I have to say the same that Halbarad...Glad that both are now uncer Elrond's care, he will help, the physical and the emotional wounds. The best description of his feelings is when he tells Aragorn that he can be Estel there, at least for a while, that is what parents are for. Love the chapter, waiting for more...next week?
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I'm glad you liked this chapter and the bits of humor and yes, finally, they're both in Elrond's grasp. Or at least almost. Aragorn's still on the loose, since Halbarad's injury puts him first in the triage. And yes, Elrond sensed that Aragorn needed to drop all his burdens and just "be". Elrond's so wise and compassionate... I really enjoy writing him.
Next chapter will probably be either late this week (I'd like to get back on track with updating on Thursdays) or, if I don't have time to do the final tweaks, no later than next Monday. Real life permitting, as always. Thanks for the review!
Calenlass
· 30 March 2009
· Chapter 18: Ride Through a Nightmare
Yahoo's acting up on me. But I did get the alert for this. :)
"Unless you always ride... with a back stiff as a...a board."
*shakes head* Aragorn, when will realize there's...nothing to fear.
You know me--I love any Elrond-and-Aragorn/Estel interaction I can get. :)
Great chapter, even with all that suspense...
;)
~Cal
Author's reply
Thank you, Cal! I'm so glad you liked this... and yes, Aragorn's fears were groundless, silly man. But he's not been thinking too straight lately. I'm glad you like the Elrond-Aragorn interaction in this one. Thanks for the review! (And yay, the alert made it!)
Minerva Organa
· 28 March 2009
· Chapter 17: Balrogs Are Quieter
Wow. Just...wow. I loved this. Glorfindel against the Nazgul was kind of amazing. Your descriptions of his nonchalant manner throughout the entire thing...wonderful. I was a bit giggly.
And of course just as we think we're out of the woods (well, in terms of the Nazgul)...Halbarad! *wants to hug* Poor guy. I hope they get to Rivendell all right!
I love how much detail you always manage to put in your writing. The description of getting Aragorn and Halbarad situated with Asfaloth was really great. Little things like that always make it seem much more real. =D
Author's reply
Thank you, Minerva! I'm so glad you liked Glorfindel's fight... I did want to put a bit of humor into that, because I just can't see Glorfindel being overly concerned about a "mere" Nazgul, not with everything he's already conquered in his long years. And I see him as an Elf who really actually enjoys a good battle like that. So yes, giggly was a bit what I was going for as a reader reaction. :) And details, yes! I like to cram as many in that I can, especially when it's a situation that in "real life" might not really work. I can't imagine in our day of ambulances and splinting and restraints and ultra careful patient handling anyone putting a patient on a horse and galloping away into the night. So I had to make sure I showed them doing everything possible to secure Halbarad. They really were in a no-win situation, so risks had to be lessened in whatever way they could manage--battlefield improvisation, I guess you could call it. And thank goodness for Tolkien creating Asfaloth, or I would have had even greater headaches trying to get Halbarad (and Aragorn!) to Rivendell.
Of course... they're not there yet. *evil grin*
Thanks again for the review!
Stubborn Aragorn...*shakes head.* At some point they're going to have to simply carry out Halbarad's threat of throwing him on the horse and dragging him to Rivendell.
I really enjoyed this chapter! Especially the exchange between Aragorn and Denlad. I really love how you portray devotion of Aragorn's men in such different, though no less touching ways. =)
Author's reply
Thank you, Minerva! I'm glad you liked this chapter... I do think the men that served closest to Aragorn had the same sense of love that the members of the Fellowship grew to have for Aragorn. Very much what you'd want in a future King of Men. I'm glad you like how I portray that in the different characters. Thanks again for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 24 March 2009
· Chapter 17: Balrogs Are Quieter
This chapter has just become my most favourite chapter of the entire story. I absolutely LOVED how you described Glorfindel and his battle with the wraith at the beginning! *faints from awesomeness* I would like to be able to quote some favourite sentences, but actually there was no sentence referring to Glorfindel I didn't love. ;-) I also liked how you described Aragorn and Halbarad's reactions to the wraith, and how Halbarad clung to Aragorn, probably without even noticing what he did. *g* I was really relieved when Glorfindel had finally managed to drive the Nazgul away, though it makes me a bit nervous that Aragorn still sensed something evil around (if that evil wasn't the orc who shot Halbarad).
Poor Halbarad! It seems he has finally managed to find a way to get Aragorn to Rivendell, but somehow I don't think that's exactly the way he had planned things to be. *g* I loved Aragorn's fear and worrying and Halbarad's unconditional trust in him. *huggles both of them* To let them ride to Rivendell together on Asfaloth's back was a wonderful idea of yours! I loved the Asfaloth-scenes in both book and movie, but I have to say I very much prefer him carrying two rangers instead of one hobbit. ;-) Hm... now you have me wondering if there'll be a Nazgul on their heels all the way to Imladris, too... *looks nervous*
I think this chapter had just about everything I love reading about! *happily huggles chapter*
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! Wow, this is your favorite? Terrific! I'm glad to hear that because it really wasn't my favorite to write; it gave me headaches up until I posted it yesterday. LOL Getting that battle between Glorfindel and the Wraith just the way it needed to be was a challenge. I wanted him to chant the hymn but I needed it to be Sam's version of the hymn... but then that wasn't *quite* the official words the Elves sing of it... but then I ran across a quote from Letters saying that it could be that there were more stanzas to the entire hymn so there was my "excuse" should anyone protest too loud and long. LOL Oh the things we have to do to at least try to stick to canon! But I'm glad in the end it all worked so well for you. Once I had the chapter finished, I did like it, and yes, I tried to work in some of my own foreshadowing against the day Glorfindel will be called on to rescue another fallen hero, one much smaller. ;) Thanks again for the lovely review!
Larner
· 23 March 2009
· Chapter 17: Balrogs Are Quieter
And this gets both of them safely into Elrond's care! Good idea, sending them on Asfaloth, who gets to practice for the day it is Frodo on his back!
Love the comments on the Wraith!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner! I just couldn't see Aragorn taking a wagon all the way around to Rivendell... like Glorfindel points out, it would take far too long and be far too rough. So thank you, Professor Tolkien, for creating an almost magical horse in Asfaloth! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, and thanks for the review!
Minerva Organa
· 23 March 2009
· Chapter 9: Putting Together the Pieces
Oh, Aragorn... *wants to hug*. He needs to get to Rivendell soon and have Elrond tell him to stop blaming himself. Although I suppose if it were that easy there would be no story, would there? And then I would be sad.
I really enjoyed this chapter, a lovely interlude. I adore the interactions between Halbarad and Aragorn...and Denlad's account of Halbarad fighting the Nazgul was amazing. =D
Author's reply
Thank you, Minerva! I'm glad you liked this chapter... yes, lots of personal moments between the three in this, and you're definitely right in that there wouldn't be a story if Aragorn had simply said, "Okay, let's go to Rivendell; I don't really feel well after all." *grin* Thanks again for the review!
Estelcontar
· 23 March 2009
· Chapter 17: Balrogs Are Quieter
What a thrilling chapter. I just loved seeing Glorfindel confront the Nazgûl. It felt just right, and then when I thought everything was almost turning right Halbarad gets hit by that arrow, and Aragorn still under the effects of the black breath has to take him to Rivendell. A veritable clifhanger! And we have to wait another week for the next chapter. It's just not fair. *grin*
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm glad you liked this chapter and how Glorfindel managed the Nazgul. Made fairly quick work of him, didn't he? And yes, bit of a wait to see if Aragorn gets Halbarad to Rivendell... maybe it won't be an entire week. I'm finding *I* want to see what happens next, and I already know! LOL Thanks for putting up with the constant cliffhangers, and thanks for the kind words, as always! :)
curiouswombat
· 23 March 2009
· Chapter 17: Balrogs Are Quieter
I am caught up with the story and also caught up in the story. Even though we know that both Aragorn and Halbarad must survive, and recover, I am still anxious to see them get safely to Rivendell. Well done!
Author's reply
Thank you, curiouswombat! Yes, canon shows us that obviously they survive. The question is how. And what lingering effects might there be. I'm glad you're enjoying the story...thanks for the review!
Marethiel
· 23 March 2009
· Chapter 17: Balrogs Are Quieter
Good! Aragorn will get his sorry backside back to Elrond anyway, but Halbarad really should have accomplished it without getting himself shot in the process ... Tsk! Tsk! Poor kinsmen; I don't think there's a healthy Ranger there between the two of 'em! Poor Asfaloth's in the best shape!
Seriously, great chapter; I love your Glorfindel... great irony and sense of humor, has our Balrog Slayer!
Many thanks for a lovely read, and looking forward anxiously toward the next.
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Thank you, Marethiel! I'm glad you're liking this, and glad you like my take on Glorfindel. I do see him as having a bit of a wry outlook on life... seems to me someone who has died and come back to life might have a bit of amused take on life on Arda. And yes, Halbarad might actually be healthier than Aragorn, even with an arrow in his back! Thanks for reading and thanks for the review!
Raksha The Demon
· 23 March 2009
· Chapter 17: Balrogs Are Quieter
Glorfindel enjoys playing Whack-A-Wraith, doesn't he?! Go, Glorfy!
I loved the duel of spells between Glorfy and the Wraith; and then the Balrog-slayer says it with fire.
Ouchie; poor Halbarad. As if he hasn't added enough grey hairs keeping Aragorn in one piece, body and soul. Still, now that they're headed for Rivendell General Hospital-er-Imladris, things can't help but get better. But I bet there might be a close encounter of the Nazgul kind along the way....
Great chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha! I'm glad you liked this... and yes, Glorfindel's always going to win when it comes to whacking those nasssssty wraiths. He has the bigger mallet and it's on fire besides. And yes, off to St. Elrond's Hospital for Indigent Rangers... er, I mean the House of Healing. It really is sad that Aragorn is so stubborn I had to shoot Halbarad to get him there. *sigh* Thanks for the review!
Calenlass
· 23 March 2009
· Chapter 17: Balrogs Are Quieter
*gasps* Another...rather breathless chapter.
Halbarad, Halbarad, Halbarad--I'm beginning to think that everyone around Aragorn thinks they should always put their life on the line for him. Well, in a lot of stories anyway. *grins* Seems like Halbarad's no different.
Well, I got this update, and I'm glad I didn't miss it!
~Cal
Author's reply
Oh good, you got the update this time! Yay! And thank you, I'm glad you liked this chapter. It was rather breathless, wasn't it? And no breather in sight, I don't think. And yes, Aragorn rather brings out that "I'll die for you" in his friends, doesn't he? Kings have a way of bringing that out of people, even Kings in exile. Glad you enjoyed the chapter and thanks for the review!
Fantasia
· 23 March 2009
· Chapter 17: Balrogs Are Quieter
Only Glorfindel can complaint about Balrogs and Nazgul, it seems that the Nazgul was annoying him and fo sure didn't go quiet, I guess that Balrogs are higher quality enemies...Well, at last Aragorn is going to Rivendell, but for the wrong reasons, he will be so worry about Halbarad that he won't take care of himself, I hope that Elrond will notice and take care of him too. I love Halbarad, even in the worse moments he is in high spirits...Love the details of the names, changing them to fit the specific situation and at the end, Glorfindel called him Estel Elrondion, he is going home, after all.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! Yes, Glorfindel was doing his level best to encourage Aragorn by trotting out all those names. I've grown to really enjoy writing Glorfindel... seems like there should be more stories centering around him and Aragorn. Ah, just have to add that idea to my list. Thanks again for the review and for continuing to read along!
Larner
· 20 March 2009
· Chapter 16: Go Forth and Fight
Ah--found Glorfindel, have they? And what is he doing that they are so amazed?
It sounds very much as if Aragorn NEEDS to get to Rivendell and Elrond's care--VERY soon! No wonder he turned grey when discussing the Wraiths with Frodo in the Prancing Pony!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! And yes, that is *exactly* what I'm aiming for with this entire tale... why so many years later Aragorn still breaks into a cold sweat when he thinks about the Nazgul. As for Glorfindel... I could get all fangirly and say they're amazed just because he's Glorfindel, but I'll spare everyone that. LOL Thanks again for the review!
Estelcontar
· 19 March 2009
· Chapter 16: Go Forth and Fight
This chapter made me really, really tense and afraid for Aragorn. I was on the edge of my chair praying Aragorn didn't do something foolish, which, thank the Valar, he didn't. I really, really love it that you are giving us a very strong Aragorn.
Your description of the fight is very vivid and life like, and Aragorn's fear for Halbarad is very palpable and very moving, and the numbing effect the Nazgûl has on him had me on tenterhooks. I'm glad he managed to overcome it, though just barely. I loved to see both him and Halbarad going in search of Glorfindel to help him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! Yes, a strong Aragorn is really the only kind I know how to write... Tolkien made him that way, after all. :) And I did wrestle a bit with how Aragorn would react to a second "dousing" of the BB... seems to me he might have a bit of an edge, with his innate healing abilities, that would give him that well of strength--a strength that he perhaps doesn't realize he has at this point in his life. It's interesting to think about Aragorn's healing abilities and how they might manifest themselves when it comes to "physician, heal thyself".
Thanks again for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 19 March 2009
· Chapter 16: Go Forth and Fight
What a mean way to end this chapter! *g* Now my mind is swarming with hundreds of ugly possibilities what might have happened to Glorfindel, though I don't put it beyond you to resolve this in a completely harmless way. I still hope Aragorn won't have to face that Nazgul again, which is why I'm quite sure he will end up having to do just that. ;-)
I loved the way you started this chapter - poor frustrated Halbarad, lol. At least he got to roar at Aragorn, for all the good it did. //"A sniffle! That you would compare...." He seemed to lose all power of speech for a moment, but he quickly regained it and the fire in his eye, if possible, grew hotter. "If you no longer suffer the Black Breath, then I have three heads and six arms!"// My sentiment exactly! :D I was so glad Glorfindel had chosen to position Aragorn with the archers and had given Halbarad orders to stay with him and keep him away from the fight (though I don't think that worked quite the way Halbarad and Glorfindel would have liked, lol *shakes head at stubborn chieftain*).
Aragorn's "You will not fall" painfully reminded me of the battle where Halbarad *will* fall in the end... and made me wonder if he died protecting Aragorn's life.
When the two of them lost sight of each other I wasn't really sure for a while whom to be worried more about. I settled for Aragorn, as soon as he spotted that wraith. *shudders* I'm really glad he found some strength inside of him to resist the darkness emanating from that wraith, though. Whatever will happen now, I'm quite relieved Aragorn will face it with Halbarad at his side.
Loved it, in case you couldn't tell. *g*
Almut
Author's reply
LOL! Thank you, Almut, and yes, I admit it was evil of me to end the chapter that way but it seemed to work the best. *grin* I'm glad you liked the chapter, and thank you for the extensive review of it. I always like to hear what readers liked and why. Yes, Halbarad finally had to just let fly at Aragorn, didn't he? Poor man has had to put up with a lot. And yes, the plan to keep Aragorn out of harm's way didn't exactly pan out, did it? I'm glad too that I had you worried about Aragorn and Halbarad both... in the confusion of battle, especially at night, I imagine it's easy to get separated.
I hadn't consciously planned on any sort of foreshadowing with Aragorn's "You will not fall" line, but after I'd written it, I realized it does indeed harken to that day when we all know Halbarad will. I like the idea of him dying protecting Aragorn's life.
Thanks again for the lovely review!
Ainu Laire
· 19 March 2009
· Chapter 16: Go Forth and Fight
GAH! What an evil cliffhanger! Evil, evil cliffhanger! I don't think I can wait a whole week for the next installment >< Give me the rest of the story, precious :P
Author's reply
LOL ... sorry, Laire! But if it's any consolation, the next chapter will come earlier next week instead of later in the week. Thanks for hanging in there with the story!
Fantasia
· 19 March 2009
· Chapter 16: Go Forth and Fight
They had found Glorfindel....And???!!!
Great chapter, at least he admited that he wasn't taking care of himself and not following orders...A little worry for Glorfindel, but if he made the Witch King run away before, I don't think that a lesser Nazgul will be a problem, but you can never know...Thanks fopr the update, waiting for more...
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia... yeah, I pretty much left everyone hanging, didn't I! I'm evil, what can I say. But yes, Glorfindel is definitely the one you want around when there's a Nazgul to deal with. We'll see how he manages next week (gee, that sounds like an old-time radio serial announcer...) Thanks for the review!
Elflingimp
· 19 March 2009
· Chapter 16: Go Forth and Fight
Well all I have to say is Glorfindel better be okay!! LOL! Halbarad is such a loyal friend to Aragorn. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thanks, Elflingimp! Glad you liked this chapter... we'll see how Glorfindel fares in the next one. ;)
Elentarri
· 19 March 2009
· Chapter 16: Go Forth and Fight
You can't end there! :-) You have to update immediately so we know what happens next. :-)
Thank you for a lovely chapter
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentarri! Yes, I know, bit of a cliffhanger... but that way I know everyone will come back for at least one more chapter. *grin* I'm glad you liked this chapter, despite the cliffie. Thanks for the review, and if it's any consolation, next week I will be updating it Monday or Tuesday, most likely, because RL the remainder of the week will be too busy. So it won't be *as* long a wait. ;)
Calenlass
· 19 March 2009
· Chapter 16: Go Forth and Fight
Ooh...
Cliffhanger--not as bad as cliffhangers go, but one that will have me wondering until next week. :)
SoA alerts are odd for me--sometimes I get them, sometimes I don't. I've given up trying to figure it out, but...I missed one chapter of this fic. Oh, well. I've caught up, and this was an excellent chapter.
~Cal
Author's reply
Thanks, Cal... glad you got caught up with the chapters. SoA alerts usually work okay for me, but I know sometimes cyberspace throws glitches into the works. Glad you didn't think this cliffhanger was *too* bad. Thanks again!
Ermm...
This chapter may have made me laugh out loud. Kind of a lot. Maybe this is because I'm really tired, but mostly I think it's because it's really fantastic. The banter between Halbarad and Aragorn...*loves*
You really do the mix of comedy and angst quite well. The last paragraph in particular was very poignant. It's nice to know that even in the saddest moments of Aragorn's life, there're still touches of love, and hope that things will turn out for the better.
Author's reply
LOL... thank you, Minerva. It was supposed to have provided a bit of a chuckle, to lighten the mood a bit, so I'm glad it made you actually laugh out loud. Halbarad and Aragorn are fun to right when they're fussing at one another. And yes, real life is full of lighter moments even in the midst of the darker times, and I think it would be no less true for Aragorn and the Dunedain. Glad you enjoyed this chapter and thanks for the review!
Minerva Organa
· 16 March 2009
· Chapter 0: Prologue
Oh, poor Aragorn! It always seems like everyone rests their hopes and burdens on him, and yet he has no one to turn to when he loses hope...I think you've captured that quite beautifully, especially in the way he wants to write to Elrond but can't bring himself to do so. This story looks really promising, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it! =)
Author's reply
Thank you, Minerva! I'm glad you're intrigued by the start of this. Very much right in that there's really no one besides Elrond (and Arwen) who can *really* help him, but being the selfless person he is, he is reluctant to burden anyone at all with his troubles. Aragorn's is a hard road, in more ways than just the battles with the enemy. There are many internal battles to face as well, and this tale is about that. Thanks for the review and hope you enjoy the story and let me know your thoughts as you go along!